Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jncrystl7]

Hello. Totally new to the boards so please work with me.

I am currently a civil defense litigator in the United States (attorney). I have been practicing law for 7 years. Prior to going to law school I worked in the insurance industry and was a retail store manager. Don't ask but for some odd reason a major retail store thought that a non college degree 21 year old was capable of being a store manager of a store that did just under a million dollars in store sales each year. Oddly enough I managed to do a good job.

My teaching experience is limited to lecturing college students at the request of various professors, organizing and running a bar examination group, and tutoring law school students in various subjects, as well as middle and high school students. My undergrad degree is in psychology with a focus on experimental design and research, statistical analysis, etc. Before going to law school, I was actually accepted and about to pursue my P.D in applied psychology. Summary, I have a weird background. Add in the fact that I'm in my late 30s and the oddness continues.

I know it sounds strange but I have been wanting to teach English in South Korea for a few years now. I am also open to China if I could work and live somewhere a little less hectic than say Shanghai or Beijing. I am finally at a point in my life where I can actually move overseas with my Australian Shepherd and make the commitment to teach. I would enjoy living, experiencing and learning another language and culture. I would love the opportunity to give back by being an educator. Lastly I hope to serve as a positive example as, excuse me as I attempt to be politically correct, African-American female. I say attempting to be politically correct because I think saying black suffices, have never been to Africa and have no desire to ever go there!

Other than taking an online course to obtain a certification in ESL, are there any recommendations you can offer? Unfortunately there are no in class options in my area. Would a university or perhaps a corporation be interested in hiring someone with my background as an English teacher? I would be happy to teach legal English courses also. Thanks again for any advice because I know you all are busy.

[tardisrider]

[mayorhaggar]

Why Korea?

If you're a successful lawyer and you still enjoy the work, I'm not sure what the point of coming to Korea is, if you went back to the US it could be hard to re-enter the US job market, especially as a lawyer. I'd consider it if you could get a sabbatical year off from your job and then return, but American employers can really be down on that kind of stuff... (and then wonder why their employees are so unhappy)

Also I can't imagine bringing the dog would be easy. Koreans are not pro-pets so their laws for bringing a dog in might be pretty harsh.

[PRagic]

Unless you can land a university job, I'd strongly suggest against bringing your dog over. If you work for an institute, you run the risk of having erratic schedules at best, and an apartment that won't allow a dog at worst.

Try applying to universities outside of Seoul. With a law degree, you might get a shot, although the majority of universities prefer to hire from in-country.

Your age isn't an issue, nor are your gender or ethnicity. Korea has come a long way in the past 20 years, but females are usually in demand as this is still not a popular mid to long term destination for the fairer sex. Most in their 30s, however, aren't keen on VERY early starts, split schedules, and late finishes, not to mention limited vacation, that characterize the majority of institute jobs.

If it makes you feel any better, there are a LOT of law grads and ex-lawyers over here teaching English, most at university.

[Paddycakes]

Brother is an Alpha Male who wants to leave a successful law career to work in Korea....

Me thinks Brother stumbled across the infamous "Quincy Black" videos.

Seriously, dog, you're fracking up your legal career by working in Korea... and probably your canine's mental health by keeping him cooped up in a tiny apartment.

ESL is a game for 22 year old kids and hippies straight out of college who want to pay off student loans and fund their next trip to Thailand.

You see yourself hanging out with this crowd?

There are some older ones here, but based on your background, I doubt you are going to like them very much, or relate to them well....

They can be a bit..... "different"... so to speak.

Only come here if you can work in some "professional" capacity in something directly related to law.... do not assume Korean universities are "professional" like you might assume.

You'll want to come here on a professional expat package to have a good life.

Then teach ESL on the side and fulfill your Quincy Black fantasies to your hearts content...

[young_clinton]

Does Korea accept online TEFL courses for teaching experience? I don't think so. If you can get a reference for all your other types of teaching experience they may consider that.

Another decent option is get your teaching experience in Thailand. It counts and its easy to get a job there and its easy to find a good "inexpensive" 1400 US, 120 hour TEFL TESOL class with-what is it- 8 or so hours of observed teaching experience. Thailand is truly an interesting place to be.

[Pinehurst]

I saw a job on this site in Daegu at a university for some kind of Legal English two months ago. I can not find the link so maybe it was on another site. Try using the search function and use the keyword "Legal". I think the in person TEFL is for EPIK. Many still take the online TEFL.

[Cacille]

Wow, I have to say OP, you're pretty amazing for wanting to give this a shot. I don't know if it will be the best career move you'll ever make, but you might as well live your own life and live your dreams. That's why I'm here, and I'm loving my job. So, to start:

1. Bringing a pet is NO PROBLEM. The person who said Korea is not pro-pet was talking out of his/her butt. I brought two BIRDS with me - and that is such an uncommon pet that if anything, it caused me the most problems of anyone in doing so. Bringing a dog or cat is a cakewalk because most of the info about international pet travels is only specified for dogs and cats. Only after much intense research was I able to find out that birds were also allowed. I detailed the entire process on my blog posts in the past. For you to bring your pet, you'll follow a slightly simpler version of the same process, with quite a few more airline options opened to you as well. http://ruralkorealiving.wordpress.com Feel FREE to ask me any questions about the process.
Also, make sure that the job you get will allow you a housing allowance so you can get an appropriate sized apartment for you and your dog. Most of us live in apartments not much bigger than the space of a bed, desk and chair, miniaturized bathroom with NO bathtub, and the tiniest kitchen like something out of one of those "tiny houses" you've seen in magazines. It is seriously not appropriate for a large dog so if you find your own place, it would be much better.

2. Online TEFLs are accepted anywhere. Hell, for many jobs (Hogwons specifically), all you have to have is a functioning brain and living body and be born in a English speaking country. However, if you want to have a chance at the public schools, you MUST get a 100+ hour TEFL and to have a great shot, get one with at least 20 hours in-class teaching practicum. There are many, MANY options out there, especially in bigger cities in the USA such as New York, Los Angeles, etc. Just look around and if you can, spend the weekend in a city to get it done.

3. You technically do have teaching experience. And you want to NOT live in a huge city, so say that you are OK with rural. Just list that teaching stuff stuff you did here, and once you get your documents, recruiters will fall over themselves to get you into a job. Note, I say a job. Not a GOOD job. Do your research on any job offer you get. I actually highly recommend you apply to the EPIK program over any hogwon.

4. Universities would be good. I would recommend University or EPIK.

5. Some people here say that this is more for 23 year olds straight out of college, who are here to pay off student loans and you won't be able to relate to them. I disagree COMPLETELY. There are many, many people here whom are older, such as myself (just turned 31) whom aren't part of the same young crowd and I still managed to find a few friends here like myself (Whom are more into Beethoven than bars), professional and more of an adult mentality in general, compared to young 20's types. You'll be fine.

[rollo]

Cecille I know you mean well. Bringing a dog to Korea can be a disaster for the dog. Cooped up in a small apartment all day, nothing to do, alone, not good for the animal. I had a co worker who brought his dog to Korea, there was little problem getting the animal into the country but because of the guys schedule the poor thing was left alone in a small place all day. So without any stimulation it began barkiing constantly,which forced the neighbors to complain. Just a bad scene. So be aware thatt bringing a dog over is often an unwise decision. An australian shepard is a fairly large breed. i would not want to coop an animal like that up every day, really cruel. Something to consider.

[mayorhaggar]

[TheUrbanMyth]

[chrisblank]

I am fairly certain that you could find a job in Korea at a university working in a law department.
many schools want to hire people to teach English classes for specific departments and department classes in English. They will go outside of Korea for qualified teachers.

look for uni jobs here:
http://www.university-directory.eu/Korea-Republic/Korea-Republic.html#.UXpONUqPPBQ

go outside Seoul to places like Incheon and schools like Inha where they hire lots of foreigners in specific departments.

[watergirl]

Please take some of the comments here with a grain of salt.

It is no problem taking and having a pet here. I had to bring my cat at the last minute and it was relatively easy. Plenty of pet stores are here, and vets are actually MUCH cheaper, and Koreans prefer dogs as pets. Some, mainly older men, do eat large dogs, but it is a rare, traditional food. Also, as pets are pretty new, it seems like apt owners don't care or have even thought of restricting pets from being in apts, so that's not an issue either.

Agewise, it not really a large issue either I think. I think there are more English teachers who are older than 22 here as well. Maybe for your first job as you are applying from overseas, you will not be able to get into a university, but your law degree and experience will be looked upon favourably for the better jobs.

I think u should try a public school first, as they have much better working condiitons. They are run b 3 different korean govenment organizations,SMOE, GEPIK, and EPIK, which roughly correspond to different areas of KOrea. and there is talk about requiring a TESOL in the future, but this isn't the case yet. Try the recruiters 'Korvia" or 'footprints'.

Good luck

[watergirl]

PS - Recruiters are basically like used car salespeople. Also, take what they say about the job with a grain of salt. especially expect them to 'dowmnplay' the negatives about the job.. especially location. Actually, they often don't know about the job itself, so u should try to check with a foreigner teacher who had the position before. The school itself doesn't mind if u do this, but the recruiters can be reluctant to give this info, as they want u to sign a contract and take a j0b as quickly as possible because there is so much competition. The recruiters are really not working for u, but r working for the employers who give them a lump sum 'finder's fee' when u take the job.

[PRagic]

First, about the pet thing. It is not a matter of whether or not the country is pet friendly; it is, so long as your landlord has no problem with it. It is a matter of whether or not your pet will be living in cramped quarters and only seeing you a few hours a day. I've been here 20+ years and have seen so many people severely regret bringing their pets here, or regret having adopted or purchased one while they were here. We put off raising a dog until we were in a 3-bedroom unit with rooftop access. I'm not 'talking out of my butt' LOL. Cacille brought two birds. Not the most high maintenance pets in the world. Nough said.

Second, about the job prospects. Another poster mentioned university positions teaching law or legal English. Might want to give that a shot. Another option would simply be to practice law here. The market opened up a bit with the FTA. Large firms like Kim and Chang are hiring foreign lawyers all the time. Something else you may want to look into.